Nonfiction Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoDepression is a Choice: Winning the Battle Without Drugs by A.B. Curtiss
Hyperion, 2001Hardcover, 480 pages
ISBN: 0786866292
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Over seventeen million Americans suffer from depression,
with symptoms ranging from mild sadness to incapacitating
misery. A.B. Curtiss is a board certified cognitive therapist,
who was herself diagnosed with manic depression. Both
her father and brother were also severe depressives, who
did not benefit substantially from years of traditional treatment:
psychotherapy and anti-depressant drugs. Through a trial
and error process and much study, Dr. Curtiss came to realize
that it was her reaction to the depressive feeling which was
really incapacitating -- not necessarily the underlying chemical
imbalance which was causing the problems she was experiencing.
By separating the idea of herself from her "mind" she was
able to distract herself from depressive thoughts as soon as
they showed up. Curtiss gives specific examples of
directed thinking which she has used to great effect in her life.
Curtiss strongly rejects the notion that we cannot control our own moods, saying "We are not some kind of empty bags that periodically fill up with either pain or joy. The overwhelming feelings of depression lead us to believe we have nothing within us to fall back on. But this is not true….It is our moods that come and go….our mind always remains completely intact and immediately available to us when depression hits. …We simply have to remember how to properly access it at this time." (p. 200) Curtiss' work will be of great benefit to those who wish to take control of their own recovery and feelings. In fact, Curtiss' theories will also be of help in teaching people to control their own minds, while they are on antidepressants with the ultimate goal of being drug-free. One caveat: these techniques will likely be beyond seriously ill or suicidal patients, and seem more suited to treat mild to moderate depression.
A Passion for Parties: Your Guide to Elegant Entertaining by David Tutera
Simon and Schuster, October, 2001Hardcover, 191 pages
ISBN: 0743202287
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Event planner extraordinaire David Tutera has produced
fabulous events for everyone from the Prince of Wales,
to The Rolling Stones, to captains of industry.
In his book, A Passion for Parties, Tutera takes you behind
the scenes and reveals the magic that he creates for his
events, whether it's for a formal wedding, a children's
party, a Christmas to remember or an afternoon party
for that pampered pet. With beautiful, full page photos
of some of the events he has worked on (he discreetly doesn't
say the actual name of the host, but we did spot pics of
President George W. Bush, Joan Rivers and Bill
Cosby as part of the birthday decorations for somebody's
birthday bash -- Tutera loves photo montages for birthday parties)
the book is as visually appealing as it is useful.
Tutera takes you by the hand and leads you through everything: setting the budget, working with vendors, contract tips (very important!), invitations, menu, drinks, decorations, the guest list and everything else associated with giving the perfect party. In addition to the text, "Tutera Tips" are sprinkled throughout the book, giving extra bits of helpful advice. This is a lovely volume which anyone who entertains should have on his bookshelf.
Relax: Company's Coming! by Kathy Gunst
Simon and Schuster, October, 2001Hardcover, 290 pages
ISBN: 0743202589
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Author Kathy Gunst taps into the primal fear of
anyone who's ever given a party, only to find
himself trapped in the kitchen, stressed out beyond
belief, worrying the whole time that people will think
he is a terrible host. Gunst explains that what makes
a great party is not the elaborateness of the menu, but
the interaction between the host and his guests, and
the feeling of welcome that is presented by the host.
With that goal in mind, Gunst offers lots of sound advice
for hosting a party that you can actually enjoy yourself.
She provides easy to fix menus which require a minimum
of last-minute prep time, as well as suggestions for
how to stock a pantry for last-minute feasts,
how to incorporate take out food into an event
you are planning, quick ideas for a delicious Sunday
brunch when you have houseguests and what to do
with leftovers.
To most people, the phrase "company's coming!" does not induce a state of relaxation. But by taking a deep breath, and quickly flipping through Kathy Gunst's book, you can approach the impending gathering with joy, as opposed to sheer terror.
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